|
|
Across the nation, each year:
 |
3 million children are reported abused and neglected;
that calculates to 8,000 children per day. |
|
500,000 of America’s children are in foster care. Nearly half
are African-American. |
(Source: Office of Child Services/Welfare Quality
Assurance and Research Section)
| Number of children in foster care at any time
during the year |
326 |
| Number of reports of abuse/neglect |
2090 |
| Number of children removed from the home (not counting carryover) |
123 |
Cumulative number of children available for adoption
at any time during the year |
166 |
| Number of children in finalized adoption |
73 |
Psychological and emotional problems are commonplace among abused
and
neglected children, and they take their toll on society.
Abused and neglected children are more likely to:
|
End up in juvenile detention centers |
|
500,000 of America’s children are in foster care. Nearly half
are African-American. |
|
Drop out of school |
|
Abuse their own children |
|
Become addicted to drugs and alcohol |
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Three times more likely to have a sexually transmitted disease |
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Twice as likely to suffer from severe obesity and other health issues |
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Four times more likely to be depressed |
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Twelve times more likely to attempt suicide |
In Jefferson Parish, the need for service is much greater than
our current volunteer
and staff base.
|
Approximately 350 children are in need of care
in the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court system at any given time. |
|
Currently, there are less than 100 advocates serving only
33 percent of the cases. |
|
There is a need for more than 150 volunteer advocates to serve the
needs of the children in Jefferson Parish. |
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